Nara Organics has voluntarily recalled all lots of its powdered infant formula currently available in the market. This critical decision stems from a potential contamination risk involving Clostridium botulinum. The recall was announced after the FDA and CDC informed the company that three babies, who had consumed Nara formula, were admitted to hospitals with confirmed cases of infant botulism.
The affected infants, located in California, Washington, and Pennsylvania, received treatment with BabyBIG (Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous), and fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. While Nara states that its formula has not yet tested positive for C. botulinum, the company is proceeding with a comprehensive recall as a precautionary measure and is actively collaborating with federal and state health agencies during the ongoing investigation.
Infant botulism, though uncommon, is a severe condition that occurs when infants ingest Clostridium botulinum spores. These spores can then colonize the still-developing intestinal tracts of babies, releasing potent neurotoxins. Unlike older children and adults, whose mature digestive systems typically process these spores without incident, infants are particularly susceptible to this colonization. Key symptoms to observe include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids (ptosis), unresponsive pupils, reduced muscle tone, difficulty with sucking or swallowing, a weak or altered cry, general weakness, and breathing difficulties, potentially leading to respiratory arrest in severe instances. If your baby has consumed Nara formula and displays any of these signs, it is crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
The recall encompasses all batches of Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula, including both 700g (UPC 860013251901) and 400g (UPC 860013251918) varieties sold at Target stores, Target.com, and Nara.com between July 2025 and June 2026. Parents should inspect the bottom of their formula cans for lot codes. Specific lot codes linked to the hospitalized infants are 709125280E14F2, 709125288E14F2, and 708125174E14F2. If you have purchased these products, discontinue use immediately, regardless of their appearance or smell. For refunds, purchases made directly from Nara.com in May or June 2026 will be automatically processed. For other purchases, including from Target, take a photograph of the lot code and submit a refund request via nara.com/pages/refund-request-form. Target purchases can also be returned directly to any Target store or through their online return system. For further inquiries or updates, Nara can be reached at hello@nara.com or via their official website.
The FDA and CDC initiated contact with Nara Organics on June 12, 2026, regarding the three botulism cases. The investigation into the contamination's origin is still underway. Nara continues to fully cooperate with regulatory bodies and has pledged to release new information as it becomes available. This situation underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in infant nutrition. Parents should remain vigilant, follow official guidance, and prioritize their children's health, trusting that collective efforts will ensure product safety and accountability within the industry.